Security Guard in Killeen, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

As a local, I can tell you that security work in Killeen is a steady, reliable gig, but it won't make you rich. The city's economy is anchored by Fort Hood, which creates a consistent demand for security personnel, but it also keeps wages competitive rather than lucrative. The median salary here for a Security Guard is $35,250/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.95/hour. This is just shy of the national average for the role, which sits at $36,140/year. The difference isn't huge, but it’s a key factor when you're weighing a move.

The job market is stable but not explosive. Within the Killeen-Temple metro area, there are approximately 319 jobs available for Security Guards at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 3%. This isn't a field that's going to see a tech boom-like surge, but it's also not a dying profession. The demand is driven by the consistent needs of the military base, hospitals, schools, and retail centers.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience, which is crucial for planning your career trajectory:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Killeen Context
Entry-Level	$28,000 - $33,000	Typically unarmed, retail or basic patrol. Often starts at or near the local median.
Mid-Career	$34,000 - $38,000	Armed positions, site supervisor roles, or specialized assignments (e.g., hospital security).
Senior	$39,000 - $45,000+	Senior supervisor, training coordinator, or security director for a mid-sized company.
Expert/Management	$46,000+	Director of Security for a large employer (e.g., a hospital network or major contractor).

While Killeen's median is close to the national average, it's important to compare it to other Texas cities. For example, security guards in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex often see median salaries closer to $38,000, with a much higher volume of jobs (over 10,000). Austin's median might be slightly higher, but the cost of living is significantly steeper. In Houston, the pay can be similar, but the job market is more volatile, tied to the energy sector. For Killeen, the trade-off is stability and a lower cost of living, especially if you're connected to the military community. The 319 jobs in the metro area might seem small, but they are often filled by long-term employees, indicating a reliable, if not highly dynamic, market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. A single person earning $35,250/year in Killeen will take home approximately $2,150 - $2,300 per month after federal taxes, FICA, and Texas's lack of state income tax. This is a rough estimate, and your specific withholdings will vary.

Here’s a practical monthly budget breakdown for a Security Guard earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Local Insight
Gross Monthly Pay	$2,937.50	Based on $35,250/year / 12 months.
Taxes (Est.)	$600 - $750	Varies by filing status and deductions.
Net Pay (Take-Home)	$2,187 - $2,337
Rent (1BR Average)	$900	The city-wide average. You can find cheaper in older areas or shared housing.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity (AC is a must in Texas), water, internet.
Car Payment/Gas	$300 - $450	Killeen is car-dependent; public transit is limited. A reliable car is a necessity.
Groceries	$250 - $350
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	If not provided by employer or spouse's plan.
Miscellaneous	$150 - $200	Phone, personal care, occasional eating out.
Remaining/Discretionary	$0 - $137	This is tight. Savings are challenging on a solo income at the median rate.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single median income of $35,250/year, it's extremely challenging. The median home price in Killeen is around $200,000 - $220,000. A 20% down payment would be $40,000-$44,000. Lenders typically recommend your housing payment (including taxes and insurance) not exceed 28% of your gross income. For a $200,000 home with a 6.5% mortgage rate, the monthly payment would be around $1,500+, which is nearly 50% of your gross monthly pay. This is well above the recommended threshold. Homeownership is possible primarily through FHA loans (with a lower down payment), VA loans (if you're a veteran), or with a dual-income household. For a single guard earning the median, renting is the more feasible short-to-medium-term option.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

The security job landscape in Killeen is heavily influenced by one major entity: Fort Hood. However, there are several other key employers, both on and off the base. Most security jobs here are either direct hires by these institutions or through large contracting companies like Securitas, Allied Universal, and G4S.

1. Fort Hood (III Corps): The largest employer in the region. Security jobs are abundant but highly regulated. You'll find positions for gate guards, perimeter patrols, and facility security. Many are contracted out, but direct federal jobs (as a Civilian) are also posted on USAJOBS.gov. These jobs often require a background check, a security clearance, and sometimes military experience is preferred.

2. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Killeen: A major hospital in the area. Hospital security is a specialized field dealing with patient safety, conflict de-escalation, and high-stress situations. These roles often pay at the mid-to-senior level ($36,000 - $42,000). They typically require CPR/First Aid certification and may have specific training requirements.

3. Killeen Independent School District (KISD): School security is a growing field. Positions include campus monitors, security officers for after-school events, and sometimes school resource officers (which may require law enforcement certification). Pay is generally stable and follows the school district's pay scale.

4. Retail & Commercial Centers: The Killeen Mall, Lowe's, Walmart, and other major retailers hire security for loss prevention. These are often entry-level positions ($28,000 - $32,000) and can be a good starting point. They focus on deterring theft and ensuring customer safety.

5. McLennan Community College (Killeen Extension Campus): While smaller than the main campus in Waco, the local extension has security needs for its facilities and events. These jobs offer a calmer environment compared to retail or hospital security.

6. Local Government & Municipal Buildings: The City of Killeen hires security for city hall, the public library, and other municipal facilities. These positions are often posted on the City's website and can be competitive.

Hiring Trends: The single biggest trend is the reliance on contracting firms. Most new guards start with companies like Securitas or Allied Universal, which hold major contracts for Fort Hood and other local businesses. Direct hires are less common but offer better benefits and sometimes higher pay. With Fort Hood's ongoing operations, the demand for security is persistent, though the specific contracts can change hands every few years. Networking within the community, especially with other veterans or military spouses, is a valuable strategy for finding the best openings.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has specific requirements to work as a security guard, which are managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It's a straightforward process but requires an investment of time and money.

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

1. Application: You must apply for a "Security Guard License" (Type II) through the Texas DPS website. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and pass a criminal background check.
2. Training: 4 hours of classroom training is mandatory. This covers the legal aspects of the job, use of force, and emergency procedures. The cost is typically $65 - $100.
3. Fingerprinting: You must be fingerprinted by an approved vendor. The cost is around $10 - $15.
4. Application Fee: The state license fee is $44 (for a 2-year license).
5. Total Estimated Cost: $119 - $159 (not including any optional training like armed guard certification).
6. Armed Guard License: If you want to carry a firearm, you must complete 15 hours of additional training (4 hours legal, 11 hours firearms). The cost can add $200 - $400 for the course, plus additional firearm and licensing fees.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Step 1: Complete the 4-hour training course. (Can be done in one day).
• Step 2: Get fingerprinted. (Schedule an appointment, can be done within a week).
• Step 3: Submit your online application with the DPS and pay the fee. (Immediate).
• Step 4: Wait for processing. The DPS states processing times can take 2-4 weeks for an unlicensed application.
• Total Time: From start to holding your license, plan for 3-6 weeks. If you're pursuing armed certification, add another 1-2 weeks for the additional course.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially larger contractors, will often reimburse the cost of your initial license if you commit to working for them for a certain period (e.g., 6-12 months). It's always worth asking about this during the interview process.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live in Killeen depends on your priorities: commute time to your primary employer, budget, and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider:

1. Central Killeen (Downtown Area)

   • Commute: Excellent for jobs at City Hall, the Killeen Mall, or downtown businesses. You can often bike or walk.
   • Lifestyle: More historic feel, mix of older homes and apartments. Close to local restaurants and shops like the Killeen Arts & Activity Center.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Those who want a shorter commute and don't mind an older housing stock.

2. South Killeen (Near Fort Hood Blvd)

   • Commute: Prime location for access to Fort Hood's main gates (Toby Hatch, Clarke Gate). Also close to Baylor Scott & White hospital.
   • Lifestyle: More commercial and suburban. Lots of chain restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers. Can be busier with traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100/month for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Guards working directly for Fort Hood or the hospital who prioritize a short, predictable commute.

3. North Killeen (Near the Killeen Independent School District)

   • Commute: Good access to schools and the Killeen Mall. A bit farther from Fort Hood, but still a reasonable 15-20 minute drive.
   • Lifestyle: Family-oriented, with good schools and parks like the Killeen Community Park. Quieter than the south side.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050/month for a 1BR or small house.
   • Best For: Those with families or who prefer a quieter, residential environment.

4. Harker Heights (Independent City, but part of the Metro)

   • Commute: About a 10-15 minute drive to Killeen's core. Good for jobs in Harker Heights itself or the eastern side of Fort Hood.
   • Lifestyle: Slightly more upscale, with newer developments, better-rated schools, and more green space. It feels more suburban than Killeen proper.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Guards seeking a higher quality of life, willing to pay a slight premium for newer housing and amenities. Note: This is a separate city, so check commute times to your specific job site.

5. Rural/Outskirts (e.g., Nolanville, Morgans Point Resort)

   • Commute: Requires a reliable car. 20-30 minutes to Killeen or Fort Hood gates.
   • Lifestyle: Very quiet, more space, often older, more affordable housing or even mobile home options. Minimal amenities nearby.
   • Rent Estimate: $600 - $800/month for a 1BR or trailer.
   • Best For: Those who value privacy, lower rent, and don't mind a longer commute. Ideal for someone with a second income or who already owns a home.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard career in Killeen has a clear, if narrow, path for advancement. Growth is tied to specialization, taking on more responsibility, and sometimes moving into related fields.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: Certification can add $2 - $4/hour to your base pay, pushing your annual income toward the $40,000+ range. This is the most common and impactful way to increase earnings.
• DPS Certification: Becoming a licensed peace officer (police officer) is a separate career path, but some security experience is valuable. Police officers in Killeen start around $50,000 - $55,000/year.
• Event Security/Facility Management: Working large events at the Killeen Civic & Conference Center or for the Texas Project (a local event venue) can offer higher temporary pay rates.
• Corporate Security: Moving into a security director role at a local company or for a major contractor requires leadership skills and often a degree or extensive experience. This pays $60,000+.

Advancement Paths:

1. Guard → Senior Guard/Field Supervisor: This typically requires 2-3 years of experience and a clean record. You might oversee a small team of guards at a site.
2. Field Supervisor → Account Manager/Operations Manager: This role manages client relationships and multiple sites for a contracting company. It's more office-based but requires deep operational knowledge.
3. Security Professional → Law Enforcement: Many guards use the role as a stepping stone to Killeen PD, Bell County Sheriff's Office, or Texas DPS. The security experience is a plus in the hiring process.
4. Niche Specialization: Some guards specialize in executive protection (very rare in Killeen but possible for high-level military personnel) or cybersecurity-related physical security, though the latter is limited.

10-Year Outlook (3% Growth):
The 3% growth rate means the field will expand slightly, but competition for the best jobs (armed, hospital, federal) will remain steady. Automation (e.g., more cameras) might reduce some low-level patrol jobs, but it will also create a need for guards who can monitor and respond to tech systems. The biggest factor in Killeen is Fort Hood's future. As long as the base remains active, security jobs will be here. However, diversification is key. A guard who also gets a real estate license or a CDL (commercial driver's license) creates more income streams and career security. The goal should be to move into a supervisory or specialized role within the first 5 years to stay ahead of the median wage curve.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by Fort Hood; consistent demand for security.	Limited Wage Growth: Median salary ($35,250) is modest; significant raises require promotion or specialization.
Very Low Cost of Living: Cost of Living Index is 91.8 (US avg = 100). Rent ($900 avg) is affordable.	Car-Dependent City: No viable public transit. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable expense.
Strong Veteran Community: Easy to network and find shared understanding.	Economic Dependence: Heavily tied to the military; base budget cuts or closures (unlikely but possible) would be devastating.
Clear Path to Specialization: Armed guard certification is a straightforward way to boost income.	Limited Social/Cultural Scene: It's a functional city, not a cultural hub. Nightlife and dining options are limited compared to Austin or Dallas.
Short Commutes: Most jobs are within a 15-20 minute drive for residents.	Summery Heat: Texas summers are brutally hot, which can be tough for outdoor patrol jobs.

Final Recommendation:
Killeen is an excellent choice for a security guard who is a veteran or has a